Shahnameh audiobook released by Francis Ford Coppola

TEHRAN – An audio version of the Shahnameh, the epic masterpiece of Persian poet Ferdowsi, has been released in English with an introduction by U.S. filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola in the United States.

American voice actor Marc Thompson has narrated the stories based on the latest translation by Ahmad Sadri published by Quantuck Lane Press in 2013, Kingorama, the U.S.-based publisher of “Shahnameh, the Epic of the Persian Kings”, has announced.

In his introduction, Coppola, one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century who is mostly known for his classics such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, says, “Creating this audiobook breathes new life into the Shahnameh stories.”

“It is an immersive experience, making these ancient tales tangible for those who are new to these incredible heroic stories and a delight for those already familiar with the poem.”

The sonic landscape designs have been created by the New York–based Iranian graphic artist Hamid Rahmanian, and Melissa Hibbard was the editorial director of the project.

The audiobook is available for download on cdbaby.com.

“Our goal is that children’s imaginations will light up as they explore the myths and legends of Iran,” the publisher, Kingorama, wrote on its website.

The Brooklyn-based institute is dedicated to bringing the stories of the Shahnameh to a large and diverse audience.

Photo: A poster for the audiobook “Shahnameh, the Epic of the Persian Kings”